February 24, 2025 · Culinary Journalist
In the Mauritsdwarsstraat, in the heart of Oosterpoort in the city, you will find a piece of Italy, wrapped in the warm and authentic atmosphere of Olivier la Mensa, Italian for ‘canteen’. Here, owner Rommert Olivier and chef Stefano Bianco combine their love for Italian cuisine with the coziness of a traditional pub.
Bianco, who is half Italian himself, learned to cook from a young age, thanks in part to his father, Gigi Bianco. ‘In Italy, everything revolves around family and food. A good meal brings people together,’ he says. Together with childhood friend Olivier, they transformed a beer café into an Italian eatery, where everyone can now enjoy the authentic flavors of Italy for themselves.
At La Mensa, it is all about pure and honest food. ‘We work with fresh ingredients and love simplicity. A good plate of pasta doesn’t need much, as long as the basics are right,’ says Bianco. Olivier adds: ‘We want our guests to feel at home, whether they come for a quick espresso or an elaborate meal with friends.’
One of the most popular dishes on the menu is Pasta alla Stefano: a creamy pasta with rich pecorino, freshly ground pepper, and a touch of lemon. ‘This dish shows what Italian cuisine is all about: quality, simplicity, and taste,’ explains Bianco. The secret? ‘Patience and respect for the product.’
And while you're there, don't forget to finish with one of the delicious desserts. From homemade tiramisu to the original cheesecake with forest fruits and a base of Bastogne cookies, which gives a Dutch twist to the Italian dessert. There is something for everyone.
The most expensive dish on the menu? ‘That’s the Hawaiian pizza,’ Bianco says with a laugh. ‘When guests order it, I come to the table myself to tell them that this pizza costs 150 euros. But that is, of course, more of a joke than it actually being listed on the menu for that price.’ Still, he emphasizes that people should be able to eat what they want, even though pineapple on pizza is ‘blasphemy’ to some.
He talks about his own culinary background, where as a child he liked to mix different dishes together, something that was not always appreciated in his Italian family. He continues: ‘Everyone should just eat what he or she likes.’
Meanwhile, the two are already busy with new plans. Soon, they want to create an atmospheric wine cellar where you can enjoy the finest Italian wines. Imagine: an intimate setting with small tables where you can taste wines with a story. "We want to create a place where people can come together, enjoy themselves, and get to know each other," says Olivier. "The wine cellar will be a perfect addition to that."
‘We hope that everyone who steps inside feels some of our passion,’ says Olivier. ‘Whether you are Italian or from Groningen, good food connects us all.’
Curious about Stefano and Rommert's Italian flavors? Check the site for more information: Olivier.nl
